I have been pondering all day about Laurie's example of the power of the
small royal rings that symbolize power---and often are to be kissed as a
sign of homage. On the one hand the size doesn't seem so important: ask
yourself if the meaning of the object would be significantly changed if the
object were bigger. On the other hand the fact that it is small and has to
be approached for kissing in such a special way---one in which physical
intimacy and politicalor power distance are opposed---does make size
really important.
Good weekend all. Marcia